MIKE RUSSELL

AZ forecast: cloudy with 100 percent chance of whining

Aug 29, 2013, 4:04 PM | Updated: 5:14 pm

Wednesday night, the West Valley took a beating from high winds and rain. I know because I was there.

I opened my back door and couldn’t see past the patio. The kids thought it was the coolest thing that they had ever seen. My wife was worried about the pool umbrellas. What I didn’t hear in the Russell house was complaining about all of these annoying monsoons.

It’s a time-honored Arizona tradition. Arizonans complain about the weather for about 300 days of the year. That leaves us with roughly two months of climate calm.

If you find these claims offensive, then you are probably the worst of the lot.

I hear this nonsense EVERY season. Yes, Arizona has seasons.

• “This heat is killing me!” First of all, it’s not killing you. Second, you live in the middle of the freakin’ desert. What did you expect when you moved here? Arizona (and most deserts) has a reputation for high temps. Did you miss that in the brochure?

• “We REALLY need some rain.” Once again, you live in the desert. Show some patience.

• “We just need to get past this monsoon season.” PICK A SIDE! As if every resident starts a rain dance in early August, our dry weather turns to rainy and humid. Once again, not good enough for us.

Then there is inevitable annual ritual of covering our plants for the two-day “freeze.” “When will spring get here? This cold weather is just a hassle.” We long for the days of warmer weather so we can start complaining about the heat.

The fact is that we have an AMAZING climate here in Arizona. It’s high time people stop bellyaching about weather, stop screaming about the kids on your lawn, get outside and enjoy what AZ has to offer.

Mike Russell

(Waste Management Phoenix Open Photo)...

Mike Russell

The four types of people you will see at the Waste Management Phoenix Open

Let's face it: the Waste Management Phoenix Open is no longer about golf. The Open is about drinking and people watching -- period.

8 years ago

Follow @GOMikeRussell...

Mike Russell

Get Outdoors Rookie Camp with Monica Lindstrom: Shooting range

I asked Monica what type of firearm she had for home protection. She responded that she didn’t know but she knew that it was there and how to get to it!

9 years ago

(Screenshot)...

Mike Russell

Next level clay shooting is here but you need a Ferrari

Meet clay-shooting champion Philip Thorrold. This guy gets to shoot for a living. From time to time, he gets to do it from a Ferrari 599.

9 years ago

Follow @GOMikeRussell...

Mike Russell

Don’t worry, anglers: Drone fishing won’t be a trend for long

Rod and reel, spear, net, hand line, and even noodling — I thought that, when it comes to fishing methods, I had seen it all. Then I saw this video of… wait for it… DRONE FISHING! Yes, fishing with what us old guys see as a remote-controlled helicopter. As you can see in the video, […]

9 years ago

...

Mike Russell

Get Outdoors: A new way to prepare your wild turkey

Stop cooking your game the same old way. Let Chef Eddie Matney help you up your kitchen game…game.

10 years ago

...

Mike Russell

A gun owner’s take on the viral NYC guns with history ad

I have just a few thoughts on last week's video by the anti-gun group called States United to Prevent Gun Violence.

10 years ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to save money on retirement planning following 2024 election

PHOENIX -- With the 2024 election over, economic changes could impact how people plan for retirement as 2025 is on the horizon.

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Why a Heating Tune-Up is Essential Before Winter

PHOENIX, AZ — With cooler weather on the horizon, making sure your heating system is prepped and ready can make all the difference in staying comfortable this winter.

...

DISC Desert Institute for Spine Care

The best methods to make your back pain disappear for good

Are you struggling with back pain that will not go away?

AZ forecast: cloudy with 100 percent chance of whining